Rockville Centre students stop to remember

At the start of the school day on Sept. 9, students from all classes in Wilson Elementary School gathered around the flagpole for the morning announcements and a moment of silence to commemorate the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

During the brief ceremony, Principal Tom Ricupero recounted the events of that day, including a heartfelt story about a neighbor who lost his wife. Ricupero reminded everyone that so many people in the community were affected on that fateful day. After he spoke, a student recited the Pledge of Allegiance, which was followed by a moment of silence to honor all those whose lives were lost.

  Students and staff at Hewitt Elementary School held a similar ceremony the same day, gathering around the school’s flagpole to hear the story of 9/11, reciting the pledge of allegiance and following with a moment of silence. The students then held hands and sang patriotic songs led by Melissa DeLaVega, one of Hewitt’s music teachers, ending their ceremony in a heartwarming and uplifting manner.